AROUND THE TABLE

What does it really mean to be a community of faith?In this episode of Around the Table, Levi explores the connection between community, covenant, faith, and surrender. Looking at Paul’s words to the church in Ephesus and God’s covenant with Abraham in Genesis 15, he challenges the idea that faithfulness is something we manufacture through our own effort. Instead, our faith rests first on the faithfulness of God.Faith is more than believing the right things. It is learning to trust God enough to surrender to what He is doing, and community means we don’t have to walk that journey alone. We are called to know the promises God has placed on one another, remind each other of what He has said, pray and believe together, share testimonies, meet practical needs, and help carry one another when faith feels weak.Through Scripture and a personal story of learning to let others into his own journey of faith, Levi reminds us that following Jesus was never meant to be an isolated experience. A true community of faith is a people learning to trust God together, surrender together, and steward what He is doing in each other’s lives.Pull up a chair and join us around the table as we ask what it looks like to become a people who don’t just believe in Jesus individually, but faithfully follow Him together.00:00 Church in Ephesians04:06 Saints in Christ05:48 Faith as Covenant10:27 Striving Detour13:08 Genesis 15 Covenant18:57 God Does Both Sides24:14 Faith Means Trust26:37 Surrender Not Striving29:49 Community Practices36:01 Tuition Miracle Story42:09 Activation and ProphecyMore about The Porch: www.theporchny.comHelp us serve our city: https://givebutter.com/xIPrFj

What does it actually mean to be part of the Church—not just to attend, but to truly belong, participate, and become part of the community of God?In Part 2 of our series on The Church, Jen Welsh joins us Around the Table to explore what God’s community is meant to look like. Starting with a simple definition of the Church as “the community of believers in Christ,” Jen unpacks what community really requires: love, belonging, participation, shared responsibility, and a willingness to show up for one another.God’s family isn’t meant to be a group of people who simply occupy the same room. We have each been given something to carry, something to contribute, and a unique part to play. Healthy community happens when we take ownership of what God has placed in our hands, choose relationship over isolation, learn to genuinely know and love one another, and commit ourselves to participating in the family of God.Throughout the conversation, Jen and the group talk practically about loving people well, repairing relationships when we hurt one another, resisting judgment, serving, forgiving, showing up, and recognizing that the community is different when our piece is missing.The Church is more than somewhere we go. It is a family we have been adopted into, a people we belong to, and a community we are invited to help build.00:00 Opening Prayer01:47 Why We Shifted Topics02:51 What Is the Church03:36 Break It Down Method05:46 Defining Community07:23 Recap of Jay’s Teaching10:06 From Israel to Ecclesia14:55 Adopted Into God’s Family18:35 Marks of Christian Love21:28 Ownership and Participation24:17 Commit to Community24:53 Show Up and Participate26:39 Your Gift Matters29:01 Practical Giving and Tithing30:29 Types of Community32:08 Why Community Hurts33:37 Healing Old Wounds37:31 Jen Shares Church Hurt40:25 Choosing Vulnerability43:14 Forgiveness and Healing Process46:24 Patience Builds Safe Community47:23 Closing and Prayer InviteMore about The Porch: www.theporchny.comHelp us serve our city: https://givebutter.com/xIPrFj

What does it truly mean to be the Church?In this opening message of a new series, Jay traces God’s desire for a people of His own from Genesis through the covenants and into the New Testament. From humanity’s original calling to bear God’s image, to Abraham’s family, Israel’s holy nation, David’s kingdom, and the new covenant established through Jesus, we discover that the Church has never primarily been a building, denomination, or weekly gathering.The Church is the family of God, the holy nation of God, and the kingdom of the Messiah. We are a people called out of darkness, restored to communion with God, and invited to carry His image into the world. This episode challenges us to move beyond simply “going to church” and begin living from the glorious reality that, together, we are His treasured people.00:00 Opening Prayer01:34 Series Shift to Church03:15 God Wants a People04:11 Genesis Image and Dominion08:20 Living Image Not Idols11:24 Shame Fractures Communion15:42 Covenants Restore a People17:04 Abraham Covenant Family22:57 Mosaic Covenant Holy Nation26:45 Davidic Covenant Eternal King29:24 God Wants a People30:31 Church as Family Nation Kingdom31:21 New Covenant Identity Restored32:14 Scripture Defines the Church34:20 Not a Building or Denomination36:26 Living as God’s Image43:52 Communion Not Just Knowledge46:14 Unity and Shared Gifts50:05 Who Is the Church50:41 Closing Prayer and SendingMore about The Porch: www.theporchny.comHelp us serve our city: https://givebutter.com/xIPrFj

For generations, humanity stood separated from the presence of God—but at the cross, everything changed. As Jesus gave His life, the veil in the temple was torn from top to bottom, announcing the good news that the way back to God is now open.In this episode, Levi traces the image of the veil from humanity’s shame and separation in Genesis to the temple curtain and its ultimate tearing through the body and sacrifice of Jesus. Through Hebrews 10, personal testimony, prayer, and honest conversation, we explore what it means to confidently draw near to God—not merely as an idea or theological concept, but through real, tangible relationship and encounter.We no longer have to remain outside, hide beneath shame, earn our way into God’s presence, or wait until we have fixed ourselves. Jesus has already opened the new and living way. The invitation is simple: come closer, practice His presence, listen for His voice, and allow nearness with Him to transform every part of your life.The veil is torn. The distance is gone. The way is open—so draw near.00:00 Why the Veil01:51 Gospel Series Recap03:16 The Way Is Open03:52 2017 Anchor Encounter08:36 Nearness Must Be Tangible11:09 Hebrews 10 Read Aloud13:55 Four Kinds of Nearness17:59 Genesis and the First Veil22:50 Exodus and the Temple Curtain25:18 Crucifixion Tears the Veil29:11 Draw Near Exhortation31:25 Adoption Means Access31:32 How We Draw Near35:24 Faith From The Heart37:46 Grace Effort Not Earning38:51 Practicing Nearness Daily41:10 Gifts Spirit And Holiness44:02 Worship With Your Body46:55 Discipleship Without Curtains52:07 Guided Encounter Yahweh01:00:47 Sealing Prayer And AmenMore about The Porch: www.theporchny.comHelp us serve our city: https://givebutter.com/xIPrFj

In this episode of Around the Table, Erinn Urena invites us to rediscover the awe, beauty, and transforming power of the gospel. The good news is more than a familiar story or a message about getting into heaven—it is the announcement that Jesus is King, the victory has been won, and everything has changed.Through Scripture, reflection, and honest questions, Erinn challenges us to consider whether we have become too comfortable with the gospel or lost our sense of wonder. When we truly encounter the kindness, sacrifice, resurrection, and ongoing presence of Jesus, our natural response is to repent, believe, follow, and surrender every area of our lives to Him.The gospel is not simply information—it is the invasion of heaven into our lives. It moves, heals, restores, frees the captive, brings sight to the blind, and sends us into the world to reveal the kindness of God through encouragement, generosity, service, and love.May we never lose our wonder. May we live each day aware of His presence, moved by His goodness, and ready to carry the reality of heaven into the lives of those around us.00:00 Welcome and Setup02:00 Theme Wonder of Gospel02:49 What Is the Gospel03:28 Saved and Still Saving05:23 Good News Is Jesus07:58 Repent Believe Follow10:56 Moved by Cross and Tomb16:13 Kingdom at Hand18:04 Isaiah 61 in Action20:25 Meditation and Focus24:57 Ceiling and Community27:28 Rome Versus Kindness31:26 Facets and Wonder34:49 Heart Check Questions37:40 Practical Kindness Steps40:22 Reflection and Worship42:30 Weekly Charge and PrayerCheck out more about The Porch here: www.theporchny.comSupport The Porch as we serve our city and beyond here: https://givebutter.com/xIPrFjMore about The Porch: www.theporchny.comHelp us serve our city: https://givebutter.com/xIPrFj

What was Jesus doing in the silence between the cross and the resurrection?In this episode of Around the Table, we sit in the tension of Holy Saturday and uncover the beautiful story of the Bridegroom and His bride. From Adam’s opened side in Genesis to the pierced side of Jesus on the cross, we see that Easter was not only about defeating death. It was about bringing His bride to life.The price was paid at the cross. The covenant was sealed in the resurrection. And when Jesus breathed His Spirit upon His disciples, He commissioned His bride to carry His life, represent His heart, and continue His work in the world.You are not forgotten. You are not alone. You have been chosen, purchased, filled, and sent.00:00 Silent Reflection Prayer03:16 Why Saturday Matters05:40 Genesis Bride Blueprint09:02 Pierced Side Births Bride14:25 Resurrection Seals Covenant21:53 Upper Room Breath27:49 Great Commission Partnering31:47 Group Discussion Bride Identity37:28 Activate Cards Practical Steps38:36 Closing Prayer SendingMore about The Porch: www.theporchny.comHelp us serve our city: https://givebutter.com/xIPrFj

In this powerful House Church gathering, Rachel Stalker invites us into the deeper call of the Gospel—not just to believe it, but to follow Jesus wherever He leads. Building from the invitation of Jesus in John 1 to “come and see,” Rachel walks through the journey of surrender, discipleship, and perspective-shifting faith.This episode challenges us to ask honest questions: What am I seeking? Will I follow Jesus even when it doesn’t look the way I expected? Do I love Him enough to keep saying yes? Through Scripture, reflection, and a call into deeper waters, Rachel reminds us that the Gospel is not just an answer we hold—it is a Person we follow.Come sit with us as we explore what it means to surrender our stumbling blocks, follow the Rabbi, and step into the deeper life Jesus is inviting us into.00:00 Opening Prayer01:31 Gospel Victory Recap03:15 Signs Wisdom Stumbling07:38 What Are You Seeking11:23 Naming False Gospels14:11 Surrender And Follow16:58 Come And See John 122:39 King And Lamb Tension26:27 Deeper Roots Ongoing29:11 Are You Really King31:32 John Needs Gospel33:04 Peter Declares Christ34:52 Rebuking the Cross36:59 Follow Me to Death38:29 Denial and Restoration41:26 Love and Obedience43:31 Naming What You Seek44:51 Breaking the Self-Protection Lie49:23 Surrender and Listen51:54 Closing Prayer for DepthMore about The Porch: www.theporchny.comHelp us serve our city: https://givebutter.com/xIPrFj

In this first episode of Around the Table, Russ unpacks the Gospel as more than a message to believe—it is the very power of God that brings us out of sin, death, striving, and heaviness, and into the abundant life of the Kingdom. Through Scripture, testimony, and a passionate call to experience the presence of God, this conversation invites us to see salvation not just as forgiveness, but as transformation: becoming sons and daughters of God, filled with His Spirit, renewed by His grace, and awakened to the life Jesus made available to us.Join us as we explore the “too-good-to-believe” good news of Jesus, the reality of Zoe life, and the invitation to walk in freedom, righteousness, peace, and the overflowing presence of God. 00:00 Why Jesus Came01:51 Born Again Kingdom Life02:24 Power of the Gospel04:43 Heaven Invading Iran07:05 Zoe Life and Revelation08:53 Rhema Words Wash You10:44 Goodness Leads Repentance13:24 Identity and Inheritance17:28 Riches of Love and Glory23:01 Reconciled One Spirit27:15 Seated and Reigning30:00 Grace Through the Ages30:58 Worthy by the Blood32:00 Salvation Includes Healing32:57 Inheritance Within You34:24 God’s Ongoing Workmanship37:45 Paths Prepared for You39:02 Living the Good Zoe Life41:10 Come to Jesus for Rest44:57 Yoked Up Like Horses46:32 Miracle Stories of Revivalists52:47 Abundant Life of the Kingdom54:58 Grace Reigns Over Sin56:59 Final Prayer and AmenMore about The Porch: www.theporchny.comHelp us serve our city: https://givebutter.com/xIPrFj

Welcome to Around the Table, a new discipleship podcast from The Porch launching July 6th.In this short intro episode, we share the heart behind Around the Table and cast vision for what this podcast is all about: creating space for teachings, Bible studies, House Church messages, and meaningful conversations that help us become more deeply formed in the way of Jesus.This podcast exists to help believers shape their worldview around Christ, understand Scripture more faithfully, recover their identity as followers of Jesus, and engage in conversations that challenge the status quo of cultural Christianity.At The Porch, we believe discipleship doesn’t just happen in rows — it happens around tables. So whether you’re listening in your car, at home, on a walk, or with your community, we invite you to pull up a chair and join us as we learn, wrestle, grow, and follow Jesus together.Subscribe now on your favorite podcast platform, and follow The Porch on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for more content, including Sacred & Strange, live House Church every Saturday night, and more.More about The Porch: www.theporchny.comHelp us serve our city: https://givebutter.com/xIPrFj